Kashmir’s handicraft exports nearly triple in first quarter, reach Rs 309.62 cr

Srinagar, Jul 19: In a major fillip to Kashmir’s famed craft sector, hand-made products worth Rs 309.62 crore have been exported to various overseas destinations in the First Quarter of the current financial year, up from Rs 126.90 crore in the same quarter last year.As per figures made available by the concerned financial institutions, exports have recorded a huge jump of 243% and is the highest for Q1 in the last four years.In a statement issued here, a spokesperson from the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, stated that the Department is targeting craft exports of over Rs 1500 crore during the current FY, provided global conflicts relent. “Higher exports of craft products to overseas destinations secure the welfare of Kashmir’s famed artisans and weavers,” he said. Last year, craft products worth Rs 733.59 crore were exported, largely affected due to various global conflicts. “While Kani, Sozni shawls and hand-knotted carpets continue to lead exports, the other products exported include crewel, papier mache, chain stitch and wood carving items,” he added.The spokesperson urged the exporters to avail Export Subsidy Scheme notified by the Government, which provides an incentive of 10% of the total volume of GI-registered handloom/ handicraft export products to any country with maximum reimbursement up to Rs 5.00 crore in favour of eligible exporters registered with the Department,” he explained.   Highlighting the government’s strategy for the welfare of the artisan community, the spokesman further stated that the department has a well-established Design Studio in the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology at Bagh-e-Ali Mardan Khan and unique prototypes conceived by the School of Designs and Craft Development Institute. “We urge the business stakeholders to access these designs and packaging models to add value to their products in high-end global markets,” he added.